1. The Lost Child – Mulk Raj Anand

Summary:

The story revolves around a young child who visits a spring festival fair with his parents. He is captivated by the various attractions such as toys, sweets, garlands, and a roundabout ride. However, his parents repeatedly refuse to fulfill his demands. In the midst of the bustling fair, the child gets separated from his parents and is gripped by fear and longing. A kind stranger offers him various items, but the child only wants his parents.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: The story highlights the innocence of childhood, the allure of material pleasures, and the deep emotional bond between parents and children.

• Characterization: The child’s changing priorities reflect his emotional vulnerability.

• Symbolism: The fair represents the distractions of the material world, while the loss of parents symbolizes the realization of true priorities.

• Message: Love and security from family are more valuable than materialistic attractions.

  
  

1. The Lost Child

1. What were the various things that attracted the child at the fair?

2. How did the child’s parents respond to his requests?

3. When did the child realize he was lost, and how did he react?

4. What did the stranger offer the child, and why did he refuse it?

5. What is the main theme of the story?

   
   

2. The Adventures of Toto – Ruskin Bond

Summary:

Grandfather purchases a mischievous monkey named Toto from a tonga driver. The monkey’s antics, such as tearing clothes, breaking dishes, and scaring other animals, create chaos in the household. Despite his intelligence and amusing behavior, he proves to be too destructive. Eventually, Grandfather sells Toto back to the tonga driver at a loss.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: The story emphasizes the unpredictability and challenges of keeping wild animals as pets.

• Humor: Toto's mischief adds comic relief, making the narrative entertaining.

• Moral: The story suggests that wild animals should not be domesticated, as they can create disturbances.

• Narrative Style: Bond’s descriptive and humorous style makes the story engaging.

  
  

2. The Adventures of Toto

1. How did Grandfather acquire Toto, and why was he pleased with his decision?

2. Describe the damage Toto caused in Grandfather's house.

3. Why did Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur, and what happened during the journey?

4. How did Toto react to bathing, and what happened when he tried it in the kettle?

5. Why did Grandfather ultimately decide to return Toto?

   
   

3. Iswaran the Storyteller – R.K. Laxman

Summary:

Mahendra, a supervisor, is accompanied by his resourceful cook, Iswaran, who entertains him with dramatic stories. Iswaran has a unique style of narration that captivates Mahendra, including stories about a mad elephant and ghosts. Over time, Mahendra finds himself haunted by the ghostly tales, which ultimately impact his mental peace and force him to leave the place.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: The power of storytelling and its influence on people’s imagination and perception.

• Characterization: Iswaran’s storytelling skills reveal his creativity and resourcefulness.

• Humor vs. Horror: The story blends humor with eerie suspense, creating a captivating contrast.

• Lesson: It shows how imagination can overpower reality and create fear.

  
  

3. Iswaran the Storyteller

1. What kind of stories did Iswaran narrate to Mahendra?

2. How did Iswaran describe the encounter with the mad elephant?

3. What effect did Iswaran’s ghost story have on Mahendra?

4. What does Iswaran’s storytelling reveal about his personality?

5. How does Mahendra react to Iswaran's supernatural stories?

   
   

4. In the Kingdom of Fools – Kannada Folktale (A.K. Ramanujan)

Summary:

In a kingdom where foolish laws prevail, a guru and his disciple enter, amazed by the irrationality. Despite the guru's warning, the disciple stays to enjoy cheap food. Eventually, he gets into trouble when the king decides to execute someone based on his weight. The guru cleverly tricks the foolish king into sacrificing himself instead.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: The story critiques foolish governance and highlights the importance of wisdom.

• Satire: The story humorously presents the absurdity of blind adherence to illogical laws.

• Characterization: The wise guru contrasts with the foolish king and greedy disciple.

• Message: Intelligence and wisdom triumph over foolishness and greed.

  
  

4. In the Kingdom of Fools

1. What peculiar laws were imposed by the foolish king and minister?

2. Why did the disciple choose to stay in the kingdom, and what was the guru’s advice?

3. How did the merchant’s case lead to a complicated series of accusations?

4. What trick did the guru use to save his disciple from execution?

5. What lesson does the story teach about wisdom and foolishness?

   
   

5. The Happy Prince – Oscar Wilde

Summary:

A beautiful statue of the Happy Prince, adorned with gold and jewels, witnesses the misery of his city. He convinces a little swallow to distribute his riches among the poor. Eventually, both the prince and the bird sacrifice themselves for others. The prince’s lead heart and the swallow are recognized by God as the two most precious things in the city.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: Selflessness, compassion, and the true value of sacrifice.

• Symbolism: The prince represents generosity, while the swallow symbolizes devotion and loyalty.

• Irony: The "Happy Prince" finds true happiness only after death.

• Message: True happiness lies in helping others and self-sacrifice.

  
  

5. The Happy Prince

1. Why was the Happy Prince unhappy despite being covered in gold and jewels?

2. How did the swallow assist the Happy Prince in helping the needy?

3. What sacrifices did the Happy Prince make for the poor?

4. What happened to the swallow in the end?

5. What moral lesson does the story convey about kindness and compassion?

   
   

6. Weathering the Storm in Ersama – Harsh Mander

Summary:

The story narrates the devastating effects of a super cyclone in Ersama, Odisha, and follows Prashant, who takes responsibility for relief efforts. Despite losing his family, he helps organize shelter, food, and medical aid for survivors. His leadership and resilience inspire the villagers to rebuild their lives.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: Leadership, resilience, and community support in the face of adversity.

• Heroism: Prashant emerges as a true hero, displaying courage and empathy.

• Message: Adversity brings out the best in people and strengthens community bonds.

• Realism: The story is based on real-life events, making it impactful.

6. Weathering the Storm in Ersama

1. How did the storm affect the village of Ersama?

2. What were Prashant’s initial reactions after the cyclone struck?

3. How did Prashant take charge and help the villagers?

4. What challenges did the people face in the aftermath of the storm?

5. What lessons of resilience and leadership does the story highlight?

   
   

6. Weathering the Storm in Ersama – Harsh Mander

Summary:

The story narrates the devastating effects of a super cyclone in Ersama, Odisha, and follows Prashant, who takes responsibility for relief efforts. Despite losing his family, he helps organize shelter, food, and medical aid for survivors. His leadership and resilience inspire the villagers to rebuild their lives.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: Leadership, resilience, and community support in the face of adversity.

• Heroism: Prashant emerges as a true hero, displaying courage and empathy.

• Message: Adversity brings out the best in people and strengthens community bonds.

• Realism: The story is based on real-life events, making it impactful.

  
  

7. The Last Leaf

1. What was Johnsy’s illness, and how did it affect her state of mind?

2. Why did Johnsy associate her life with the falling leaves?

3. How did Behrman sacrifice himself for Johnsy’s recovery?

4. What role did Sue play in helping Johnsy regain hope?

5. What is the significance of the last leaf in the story?

   
   

8. A House Is Not a Home – Zan Gaudioso

Summary:

The story is a personal account of a teenage boy adjusting to a new school after his house burns down. Initially feeling alienated, he later finds support from his schoolmates, neighbours, and family. Over time, he realizes that a house is merely a structure, while a home is built with love and relationships.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: The significance of relationships and community support during hardship.

• Transformation: The narrator’s outlook changes from despair to gratitude.

• Message: True belonging comes from human connections, not material possessions.

• Personal Touch: The autobiographical elements add authenticity to the story.

  
  

9. The Beggar – Anton Chekhov

Summary:

The story revolves around a beggar who deceives people by pretending to be a student. Sergei, a kind man, offers him work instead of alms. With the help of Sergei’s cook, Olga, the beggar is transformed into a respectable man and ultimately confesses his past deception out of gratitude.

Critical Analysis:

• Theme: Redemption, kindness, and human dignity.

• Character Development: The beggar evolves from a dishonest man to a self-respecting individual.

• Moral Lesson: Honest work and compassion can transform a person’s life.

• Symbolism: Olga represents the hidden kindness that can lead to change.

  
  

9. The Beggar

1. Why did Sergei doubt the beggar's claim of being a student?

2. How did Sergei’s cook, Olga, contribute to changing the beggar’s life?

3. What transformation did the beggar undergo by the end of the story?

4. Why did the beggar finally confess the truth to Sergei?

5. What is the central theme of the story?